We decided to head back home half a day early to get some miles in for the trip to VA from…read moreNashville. We decided to stop in Dandrige overnight and catch some zzzs before making the final leg the following day. It was the 4th of July and we came across the Dandridge dock while searching for some dinner. We got out to take a look and wow, the view of Douglas Lake was so beautiful that evening. It has a long walkway and at the end of it, there are Adirondack chairs for people to sit on. There were several people taking their boats out or coming in, families fishing, and other people like ourselves taking in the view. Definitely worth taking a few minutes to take a peek when staying in or around Dandridge or simply passing through. Stay safe, Friends!

Beautiful but, the water is still way, way down. Will be going back once the water level is back up.read more

This is my favorite Buncombe County River Park. Even though there are no restroom facilities here,…read morethe beauty and serenity of the location more than make up for it. In addition to the various natural dams and rocks in the River, someone has created a little kiddie pool to keep the little ones from floating downstream to Marshall. The river splits with part of it going down a channel to the right, forming walnut island. That little section of the river is just absolutely gorgeous, and the county maintains an easily traversed path the Full length of the island. It could be the perfect location for a small informal wedding, with the bride coming down the path from around the bend, a natural canopy complete with beautiful gurgling sounds of the river flowing over the rocks. The park is equipped with barbecue grills and picnic tables, although the tables look pretty uncomfortable. I suggest bringing your own canvas or folding chairs & blanket if you're going to be here for a while. There is plenty of gorgeous grass, and the park seems to be pretty well maintained. This morning, I saw two people fly fishing, in their waders, as well as a couple more people fishing from a small boat on the river. Really, an idyllic scene. No one else was in the park for the entire 30 minutes we were there, so if you want a little privacy and a gorgeous spot, Walnut Island River Park is the place to go. At least until it gets discovered by the masses.

Best Mountain Honey in the Great Smoky Mountains. Great shop for all your camping needs including…read morebundled firewood.

Great little grocery store to pick up any odds and ends that you may have forgotten. Would highly…read morerecommend checking it out

Awesome state park with plenty of parking, pull offs to play in the creek, and tons of hiking…read moretrails. Dog and kid friendly, no bathrooms available. Lots of wildflower blooms and creekside hiking. Great spot for a picnic and sunning by the water.

Great park to take kids for easy access to wade and swim in a mountain stream. Has trails. Picnic…read morearea is very limited and located too close to porta-potties. Just go for the water!

On short notice, we booked a half day wade trip with Bill. We fished in-town for stocker rainbows…read more Excellent trip. The staff at the shop were very friendly and helpful. Bill knew the river well and put us on big fish the whole trip. We tried Euronmyphing . . . highly recommended. Would definitely go back to The Smoky Mountain Angler and definitely do a wading trip with Bill again.

If you're looking to pick up something's before fishing around Gatlinburg get it before you get…read morehere. Online says they are open at 8am 4/17 no one was there at 8. Came back at 9 guy was there said someone called in sick so they had to call him in. Understandable the next day needed to stop in and get new float line showed up at 7:45 guides were there with customers getting them ready said someone should be there shortly so we waited.......8:30 still no one around. So I would suggest getting what you need before you get here!

This cabin was Beautiful it was very spacious and Just had a very peaceful atmosphereread more

From the owner: Viking Mountain Lodge is an old, rustic, hand hewn log cabin near the Appalachian Trail in the…read moreSmoky Mountains of Tennessee. It overlooks Paint Creek and is located about halfway between the quaint mountain town of Hot Springs, NC and historic Greeneville, TN. VML is large enough to sleep 15 people in beds, and provides an excellent jumping off point for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Backpacking the Appalachian Trail, whitewater rafting the French Broad, zip lining through the Smokys, fly fishing the Laurel River, mountain biking the Paint Creek Trails, kayaking on the Nolichucky, and horseback riding through Cherokee National Forest, just to name a few. VML is available as a vacation rental for large groups, family reunions, or couples just looking to get away from it all.

Very Beautiful! The lake looks so inviting, maybe next time. Clean relaxing and serene. We rode…read morethrough on the Motorcycle a this Gorgeous Day

Pros: Hidden gem with breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings. Nearby Osceola Island Loop is a…read more1.50 mile gravel trail recommended for a leisurely nature walk. Cons: Unclear signage.

If you're looking for a top-tier fly fishing adventure in Western North Carolina, WNC On the Fly is…read morethe guide service to book. From start to finish, everything about my trip was seamless, professional, and full of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that remind you why you love being outdoors. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable -- not just about where to find fish, but about the entire ecosystem: reading the water, fly selection, casting technique, and even the subtle habits of trout in different conditions. Whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned angler, they tailor the day perfectly to your skill level. I learned more in one morning than I had in years of fishing on my own. The gear they provided was top-notch, the locations were stunning (think crystal-clear mountain streams surrounded by fall colors), and the hospitality was second to none. They even took the time to teach proper catch-and-release techniques, which shows how much they truly care about conservation and the health of the local fisheries. By the end of the day, I wasn't just catching fish -- I was understanding them. And I walked away with some great memories, a few epic photos, and a huge appreciation for the craft of fly fishing. If you're visiting the Murphy area or anywhere in WNC, do yourself a favor and book a trip with WNC On the Fly. You won't find a more passionate, patient, and professional crew out there. This is five-star guiding at its finest!

From the owner: Guided fly fishing trips in the Smoky Mountains. We guide on the Nantahala River. Big Snowbird…read moreCreek & Fires Creek. Learn to fly fish with us we offer half day and full day trips. Weather you’re just wanting to learn or a seasoned angler we are eager to share our knowledge with you. We supply all the gear: waders, boots and fly rods. Snacks and drinks for a half day trip. Lunch and drinks for a full day trip. Come join us and enjoy the Smoky Mountains where memories are made !!

I have been going to this place since the mid 1980's as a young boy and we've brought the kids here…read moreseveral times over the past few years. They have both a Gem mine and the trout fishing and in the old days had a mini golf course but that is long gone now. The main guy who operates it, Heath, is super nice and helpful. He got us setup and helped my kids learn to cast the poles and get the hook out once the fish were caught. They charge by the pound and the trout are pretty big so plan a big meal ahead. There's a little extra for cleaning the fish but that's worth it. If you are looking for a fun kid activity this is also a kid friendly place as long as they can hold the pole and reel with your help. The poles, bait, and buckets are supplied so you don't have to bring anything with you. They'll pack it in ice for you also when you leave so you'll be able to keep your fresh catch cold. ----TL;DR----- PROS: plenty of parking, friendly folks, usually it's pretty easy to catch a fish, family run, family oriented and kids will likely enjoy it CONS: none, it's lots of fun BOTTOM LINE: if you like fishing and want to spend a fun few hours, check them out. We've been many times and still love to go back!

They supply everything. Three ponds. The man who works there was very friendly and informative…read more Very nice guy. You don't pay if you don't catch. They even have collapsible chairs. Clean spot. Great time!